Todd Tiahrt: “this weekend I spoke with my parents, and they are very concerned about the bickering that is going on over Medicare.…”

“this weekend I spoke with my parents, and they are very concerned about the bickering that is going on over Medicare. This morning, in honor of the World War II veterans, we heard Senator Inouye ask that we work together to attack our common problems here in America. Well, Mr. Speaker, here are the facts on Medicare: The President's board of trustees has told us that by 2002 Medicare will be bankrupt. The Republicans have a plan to preserve and protect that program. The plan includes the fact that no senior will be required to give up their Medicare benefits, that the payments will go from $4,800 per year per beneficiary this year up to $6,700 per year per beneficiary. They will also offer options to seniors for other types of Medicare plans. Mr. Speaker, some Members of Congress would try to scare our seniors into supporting opposition to this plan. It is a good plan. I request the seniors in America to call their Congressman and support the Republican plan to preserve and protect Medicare.”